LACMTA Crenshaw Line construction begins

Los Angeles continues to add to its growing light rail transit network, marked by the beginning of construction of its new 8.5-mile Crenshaw Line, which began Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014.

The $2 billion line links and overlaps with other LRT services and approaches – but does not quite reach – Los Angeles International Airport, a flaw area critics have lamented. Federal funding of about $700 million is aiding the project.

"This is a day that Angelenos deserve, a great day for Los Angeles," Mayor Eric Garcetti said to local media.

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), which is overseeing the work, says the project includes extensive tunneling, and will also result in road lane closures for several years. Others fearful of construction work cite the potential negative impact on nearby schools and businesses.